Paul Ince vs Predrag Mijatović: Stats Compared
Central Midfielder, England (born 1967, retired 2006) · Striker, Yugoslavia (born 1969, retired 2004)
Paul Ince and Predrag Mijatović represent two answers to the same question: how do you define a great? Greatness, in the end, is about who you inspired, and both left a footprint far beyond their own careers. Career output puts Paul Ince at 90 goals in 650 games, with Predrag Mijatović at 210 in 500. In chance creation, Paul Ince tallied 60 assists to Predrag Mijatović's 30. Paul Ince departs the game with 4 major pieces of silverware, including 2× Premier League (1993, 1994); Predrag Mijatović with 2, including 1× UEFA Champions League (1998). History will file Paul Ince under silky greatness and Predrag Mijatović under predatory greatness — different shelves, same temple. Their routes to the top were distinct: Paul Ince built his reputation across West Ham United, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Swindon Town, peaking around 1994, while Predrag Mijatović reached his defining level around 1998 after spells with Budućnost Podgorica, Partizan, Valencia CF, Real Madrid, Fiorentina, Levante. The honest conclusion is that comparison enriches appreciation rather than crowns a single winner.
177 words · comparison angle: legacy
Player profiles
The first Black player to captain England, Ince was a combative, driving midfielder at the heart of Manchester United's early Premier League dominance.
“An aggressive, all-action midfielder whose tackling and late runs into the box made him a formidable box-to-box presence.”
Mijatović's decisive winning goal in the 1998 Champions League final ended Real Madrid's 32-year wait for the European Cup and remains one of the club's most iconic moments.
“A clever, mobile striker whose intelligent runs in behind and composed finishing produced goals in the biggest moments.”
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons — goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0–100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 2× Premier League (1993, 1994)
- 2× FA Cup (1990, 1994)
- 1× UEFA Champions League (1998)
- 1× La Liga (1997)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1986 Professional debut for West Ham United
- 1993 Won Premier League with Manchester United
- 1990 Won FA Cup with Manchester United
- 1994 Reached the peak of his powers at Manchester United
- 2006 Retired after a final spell at Swindon Town
- Finished his career with 90 goals in 650 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 90 goals in 650 appearances and 4 major honours.
- 1986 Professional debut for Budućnost Podgorica
- 1998 Won UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid
- 1997 Won La Liga with Real Madrid
- 1998 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 2004 Retired after a final spell at Levante
- Finished his career with 210 goals in 500 appearances and 2 major honours. Finished his career with 210 goals in 500 appearances and 2 major honours.
The verdict
Weighing production against honours, Paul Ince takes the verdict — a clear margin, driven by remarkable longevity.
Paul Ince edges it (a clear margin)
